P2024501_RFP_RJER_HCWA002.pdf

State of California -The Natural Resources Agency GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE CHARLTON H. BONHAM, Director South Coast Region 3883 Ruffin Road San Diego, CA 92123 www.wildlife.ca.gov

(Rev. 7/18/2024) Conserving California’s Wildlife Since 1870 Page 1

CDFW Administrative Contact: CDFW Site Manager:

Name: Andrew Gray Name: Nicholas Aponte Title: Administrative Officer III Title: Site Manager Address: 3883 Ruffin Road Address: 14715 Campo Road, Jamul Phone: (858) 692-3625 Phone: (858) 354-7020 Email: Andrew.gray@wildlife.ca.gov Email: Nicholas.aponte@wildlife.ca.gov

August 20, 2024

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve and Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal (Grazing) Permit P2024501

Legal Basis of Authority

Pursuant to Fish and Game Code Sections 1010 and 1745.1(a), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), serving as an agent of the State of California (STATE), offers this Request for Proposal (RFP) to issue a Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal (Grazing). The proposed vegetation disposal activity will be conducted with non-exclusive rights on approximately 2,000 acres of real property on the Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve (RJER) and 400 acres on the Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area (HCWA), collectively referred to as the Premises, in the County of San Diego.

A successful proposal will convey flexibility, innovative ideas, and an understanding of the unique aspects of operating on a publicly owned property with the overall goals of maintaining or improving vegetation conditions for wildlife, enhancing public use, and reducing risks and hazards related to wildfires. The CDFW is requesting proposals from livestock owners and operators who have experience working on public or conservation easement protected lands and can address the specific wildlife habitat goals found within this RFP, stated generally on page five and more specifically in Exhibit B, the Site Operation Plan. One candidate will be selected to enter into a five-year permit agreement.

Proposals must be received no later than September 27, 2024, at 4:00 PM. A minimum of one original and three copies of the proposal must be submitted.

In the opinion of the CDFW, this RFP is complete and without need of explanation.

However, if you have questions, or need clarifying information, you may submit your inquiry in writing to the following Administrative Contact person. You may also ask questions at the site inspection.

http://www.wildlife.ca.gov/ mailto:Andrew.gray@wildlife.ca.gov mailto:Nicholas.aponte@wildlife.ca.gov

California Department of Fish and Wildlife Request for Proposal – P2024501

Site Inspection Location 14715 Campo Road Jamul, CA 91935 It is mandatory that you inspect the site before submitting a proposal. Site inspection(s) will be held on August 27, 2024, at 10:00am.

NOTE: No verbal information given will be binding upon the STATE or the CDFW, unless such information is issued in writing as an official addendum.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

A. Objectives for Permit

B. Property Description and Grazing Overview

C. Bidder ’s Minimum Qualifications

D. Proposals

E. Permit Term and Fee

F. Proposal Requirements and Information

1. Key Action Dates

2. Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference and Site Inspection

3. Questions and Answers

4. Proposal Format Requirements

5. Submission of Proposal

6. Evaluation and Ranking

7. Interviews (If Needed)

8. Basis of Award

9. Disposition of Proposal

10. Protest

11. Finalization of Site Operation Plan (Exhibit B)

12. Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal Award

13. Permit Execution and Performance

14. Sample Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal Template

15. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Requirement ………………

16. Exhibit A – Map

17. Exhibit A.1 – Legal Description of Site

18. Exhibit A.2 – Livestock Management Facilities

19. Exhibit B – Site Operation Plan

G. Required Attachments

Attachment 1 – Required Attachment Check List Attachment 2 – Transmittal Letter Attachment 3 – Statement of Qualifications Attachment 4 – Description of Personnel and Organizational Structure Attachment 5 – Proposal for Goals 1-9 Attachment 6 – Disclosure Statements Attachment 7 – Fee Proposal Form Attachment 8 – Bidder References and Reference Letters

Attachment 9 – Site Inspection Certification Attachment 10 – Proposal Certification Form Attachment 11 – Authorization Document

A. Objectives for Permit

The CDFW seeks a Permittee who can conduct a vegetation disposal operation on the Premises that will be consistent with the overall goals of maintaining habitat for wildlife resources, enhancing public use, and reducing wildfire hazards associated with the accumulation of fine fuels. Vegetation disposal on the Premises will be expected to follow the general guidelines described in the associated Land Management Plans, which can be provided upon request. A long-term objective of the CDFW is to use vegetation disposal activities to encourage and support public uses, maintain avian foraging habitats, and reduce fine fuels for the protection of rare and sensitive species, as well as the public in general, on the Premises.

B. Property Description and Vegetation Disposal Overview

The RJER and HCWA are located in southwest San Diego County and are part of the CDFW’s South Coast Region. They are separated from each other by State Route (SR) 94. Elevations range from 615 to 2800 feet above sea level. The areas to be grazed at the Premises are predominantly located on the lower slopes and open valleys, on soil types in the Los Posas, Visalia, Friant and Fallbrook series.

Jamul and Dulzura Creeks run east to west through both properties. Major habitat types where grazing is permitted include non-native annual grass and forb-land, and mixed coastal sage scrub/native and non-native grassland interface areas.

External property boundaries are fenced and posted. Perimeter fencing repair by the Permittee is authorized as needed to prevent livestock from entering roadways.

There are 24 pastures, RJER 1-21 and HCWA 1-3, offering approximately 2,400 acres available for grazing each year. Installation and maintenance of wildlife-friendly internal pasture fencing, gates, cattle guards and livestock watering infrastructure will be the responsibility of the Permittee and may require significant improvements to be acquired/purchased and installed by the Permittee.

There are multiple gates along the Premises with SR 94, placed strategically to allow movement of livestock from one property to the other.

Livestock rotation will be based on maintaining minimum residual dry matter (RDM) in each unit as listed in Table 2 of the Site Operations Plan (Exhibit B). Animal unit months (AUM) will be a maximum of 2,616 depending on the actual acreage grazed and vegetation production of environmental conditions and may be adjusted as needed to meet target RDM ranges for each unit, or partial unit grazed.

Grazing at HCWA will be applied between March 1 and August 31 annually. At RJER, grazing may be applied year-round.

A third-party grazing monitoring study conducted by the San Diego Management and Monitoring Program (SDMMP) is currently ongoing at the Premises. Much of the usage monitoring will be conducted by staff of the SDMMP, or their University of

California Berkeley contractors. The Permittee is expected to coordinate with staff of CDFW and the SDMMP to facilitate collection of data for the monitoring study.

Public access at HCWA must be maintained throughout the grazing season.

Portions of the grazable acreage at RJER may become unavailable, either permanently or temporarily, due to other planned or potential uses associated with a mitigation bank project and/or emergency response activities associated with wildfires.

Staging area space and livestock management related facilities are available onsite at the Premises. Proposals should address planned facility uses by potential Permittees. Utilities associated with facilities may require a sharing agreement with a third party, or transfer of accounts. Other facilities, such as the horse training coral may be available for temporary occasional use may be available with permission from CDFW Site Manager. Close collaboration and frequent communication with CDFW staff should be expected.

C. Bidder’s Minimum Qualifications

Bidders will be required to submit a statement of qualifications that describes how they meet each of the following minimum qualifications:

1. Two references and reference letters in the past ten years that can attest to the potential Permittee’s experience in the implementation of a vegetation disposal agreement performed on public or conservation easement protected lands;

2. Five or more years of experience of wildlife-friendly grazing practices (preferably focused on habitat management and/or restoration);

3. Ability to respond to emergencies on the Premises within one hour during the vegetation disposal period;

4. A minimum fee proposal of $2.00 per AU per month; and

5. Bidders must be in possession of the appropriate number of livestock needed to accomplish the objectives of the Permit.

D. Proposals

All proposals must conform to the following parameters:

1. Vegetation disposal activities may not begin prior to November 15, 2024, and may not continue past November 14, 2029.

2. A maximum stocking rate of 2616 AUM over the annual grazing cycle.

3. Only cattle may be grazed.

4. An average of 1250 lbs./acre of Residual Dry Matter (RDM) will remain on the premises at the end of the annual grazing period.

Proposal packages must be prepared in accordance with the Proposal Format Requirements identified in Section F-4 of this RFP. Written proposals must contain

E.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

# PAYMENT DUE AMOUNT PERIOD COVERED

1 November 1, 2024, or Upon Permit Execution, Whichever is Later

Half Annual Permit Fee

November 15, 2024 – November 14, 2025

2 May 15, 2025 Half Annual Permit Fee

November 15, 2024 – November 14, 2025

3 November 1, 2025 Half Annual Permit Fee

November 15, 2025 – November 14, 2026

4 May 15, 2026 Half Annual Permit Fee

November 15, 2025 – November 14, 2026

5 November 1, 2026 Half Annual Permit Fee

November 15, 2026 – November 14, 2027

6 May 15, 2027 Half Annual Permit Fee

November 15, 2026 – November 14, 2027

7 November 11, 2027 Half Annual Permit Fee

November 1, 2027 – November 14, 2028 sufficient information for the CDFW to determine which potential Permittee will be the best suited to enter into a Permit agreement with the CDFW on terms most advantageous to the CDFW. Proposals may include information that is not specifically requested in this RFP if such information is pertinent to the proposal.

In ranking proposals, the CDFW will consider how the proposed activities may further or conflict with the CDFW goals for RJER and HCWA.

Permit Term and Fee

If awarded, the term of this Permit shall be five years commencing November 15, 2024, or upon approval of the STATE, whichever is later (Commencement Date) and terminating on November 14, 2029, with such rights of termination as are set forth in the Permit. The STATE shall have the right to delay the Commencement Date if the STATE determines that the condition of the Premises warrant such a delay.

The annual grazing period will be 12 months, starting November 15, each year during the Permit term, and ending November 14, each year during the Permit term.

The annual permit fee will be calculated as the product of the proposed fee amount per AU per month times 160 AU, times twelve months of grazing.

The fee shall be due and payable in lawful United States funds, without demand, offset or deduction, as shown in the payment schedule below. If the commencement date is delayed, the STATE may adjust the fee for the first year of the term as provided in the Permit.

8 May 15, 2028 Half Annual Permit Fee

November 1, 2027 – November 14, 2028

9 November 1, 2028 Half Annual Permit Fee

November 15, 2028 – November 14, 2029

10 May 15, 2029 Half Annual Permit Fee

November 15, 2028 – November 14, 2029

No credit against the fee or any other sums payable under the Permit shall be provided to Permittee for any contributions (including, without limitation, work done or materials or supplies furnished) by Permittee.

F. Proposal Requirements and Information

1. Key Action Dates

EVENT DATE

RFP Available Mandatory Site Inspection August 27, 2024, at 10:00 AM Proposal Submission Deadline September 27, 2024, at 4:00 PM Proposal Evaluation and Ranking October 1, 2024 Final Selection/Notice of Intent to Award October 3, 2024 Proposed Award Date October 8, 2024 Finalize Exhibit B October 15, 2024 Proposed Commencement Date November 15, 2024

2. Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference and Site Inspection

a. A mandatory site inspection is scheduled at 10:00am on August 27, 2024, at

14715 Campo Road, Jamul CA 91935 for the purpose of discussing questions regarding this RFP and touring the site. No verbal information given will be binding upon the STATE unless such information is issued in writing as an official addendum, so the site inspection questions and original or corrected answers will be compiled and posted either separately, or in combination with the questions and answers addressed in Section 3, below.

b. In the event a bidder is unable to attend the mandatory pre-proposal site inspection, an authorized representative may attend in their behalf . The representative may only sign in for one bidder. No proposal will be accepted unless the bidder or bidder’s authorized representative was in attendance.

c. For bidders who need assistance due to a disability, reasonable accommodations will be provided by the CDFW upon request for the mandatory site inspection. The bidder must contact the CDFW Administrative Contact person listed on page 1 no later than the fifth working day prior to the scheduled date and time of the site inspection to arrange for a reasonable accommodation.

August 20, 2024 – September 12, 2024

3. Questions and Answers

Bidders requiring clarification of the intent or content of this RFP, or on procedural matters regarding the competitive Proposal process, may request clarification by submitting questions in an email, or envelope clearly marked, "Questions Relating to RFP P2024501” to the CDFW Administrative Contact person listed on page 1. To ensure a response, questions must be received by the CDFW no less than seven business days prior to the proposal submission deadline. At the sole discretion of the CDFW, questions may be paraphrased by the CDFW for clarity.

Written responses to all questions will be collectively compiled and posted on caleprocure.ca.gov no later than five days prior to the submission deadline. It is the responsibility of the bidder to check for the list of questions and answers associated with this RFP.

4. Proposal Format Requirements

For each of the required items listed below, the bidder’s name and page number should be placed in the upper right corner of each page. All written responses must be submitted on 8.5 x 11-inch paper using ¾” margins, 12-point Arial font, single spaced, and avoid non-standard abbreviations. Each attachment shall not exceed two single-sided 8.5”x11” pages. Hand-written attachments are not prohibited but must be legible or they will be rejected. A minimum of one original and three copies of the proposal must be submitted. Proposals should be organized as follows:

Attachment 1 – Required Attachment Checklist Form provided in this RFP. A checklist to be included with the submission of proposals to ensure that the proposal is complete.

Attachment 2 – Transmittal Letter

1. List the bidder’s name, mailing address, phone, and e-mail. The bidder must sign the transmittal letter in ink and be authorized to bind the proposing firm.

The name and title of the person signing the proposal must be typed below the signature.

2. The transmittal letter must state whether the bidder, or any individual who will perform work under the Permit, has a possible conflict of interest (e.g., employment by the CDFW) and, if so, the nature of that conflict. The CDFW reserves the right to cancel an award if any interest disclosed from any source could either give the appearance of a conflict of interest, or cause speculation as to the objectivity of the bidder. Such determination regarding any questions of conflict of interest shall be solely within the discretion of the CDFW.

https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx

Attachment 3 – Statement of Qualifications The statement of qualifications will describe the knowledge, education, experience, and abilities leading to the bidder in meeting or exceeding each of the minimum qualifications. The statement of qualifications will also include the number of reference letters required in Section C, minimum qualifications, above.

Attachment 4 – Description of Personnel and Organizational Structure

1. List all personnel who will be working on the Permit and their titles;

2. Brief, descriptive statement indicating the bidder’s credentials to perform the activities sought under this RFP;

3. Brief description of the bidder’s background, organizational history, and years in business;

4. Brief statement of how long the bidder has been performing the activities required by this RFP;

5. Location of office(s).

Attachment 5 – Proposals for Each Goal 1-9 Provide one written proposal of how you or your firm would operate to accomplish each of the nine goals listed below. Each proposal must be submitted on separate sheet(s) of paper. Proposals must contain enough detail for the CDFW to score each proposal according to the established criteria. A sample proposal evaluation and scoring sheet is included herein.

Permit Goals:

1. A minimum of 160 animal units (AU, based on a 1,000-pound cow) are needed to meet the minimum annual grazing program objectives. Please describe the livestock resources currently owned by you and/or your ability to obtain sufficient livestock resources by the Permit Commencement Date, or shortly thereafter.

2. Please describe your ability to provide and place/install the grazing-related infrastructure materials necessary to immediately implement grazing, or the ability to obtain and install such that minimum objectives are met within the first 12 months following commencement of the Permit.

3. While forage use monitoring (RDM and RDM mapping) by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) University of California Berkeley (UCB) Project consultants remain ongoing, there is no requirement for the Permittee to replicate monitoring and reporting efforts. However, forage use monitoring and reporting will be a requirement following the conclusion of the Project. Please describe your willingness and/or ability to implement and report forage use monitoring consistent with that provided through Project efforts.

4. Describe the methods you plan to use to ensure minimum RDM within pastures RJER 1-13 and HCWA 1-3, as identified in Table 2 of the Site Operations Plan (Exhibit B – Site Operation Plan), is retained on-pasture post-grazing.

5. Describe your plan for grazing units that may require temporary fencing, on RJER these are units 14-21, such that livestock remain within the intended unit but are excluded from sensitive habitat areas within the units. Please include the type of fencing planned for use and whether materials will remain in place after livestock have been rotated out of the unit.

6. Annual pasture use reporting is required. Pasture use reports should contain pasture names, rotation dates, stocking rate and calculated values for AUM and AUM/acre (or AUD and AUD/acre). Please provide an example of an annual pasture use report developed by you, or a generic example of one you plan to utilize for livestock management and reporting purposes.

7. In the event of sustained drought or loss of forage due to wildfires, describe your level of willingness and ability to reduce livestock numbers such that forage use thresholds are not exceeded in areas/units in which forage remains available.

8. Staging area(s), hay barn, corrals and paddocks within or adjacent to the RJER office complex, depicted in Exhibit A.2 - Livestock Management Facilities, are identified as available for use by the Permittee. All designated staging areas and/or facilities used by the Permittee will be the responsibility of the Permittee’s to maintain in tidy and operational condition. Improvements to these facilities may be required for use.

Please identify which facilities you plan to use, describe how you plan to use them, and what – if any – improvements you plan to make to these facilities.

9. Describe the resources available to you to enable a rapid response to emergency situations, such as escaped livestock on public roadways or emergent wildfires that may pose a threat to livestock.

Attachment 6 – Disclosure Statements

1. Description of any/all claims or legal actions that have been asserted or prosecuted against the bidder within the last five years arising out of acts or omissions of the bidder in connection with grazing operations or agreements otherwise similar to those proposed under this RFP. State the status of each claim and legal action. Claims should be fully disclosed regardless of whether they involved litigation, arbitration, or other formal or informal dispute resolution processes. The disclosures required under this provision also apply to any of the individuals who will be a part of the agreement.

2. A statement as to whether, in the last ten years, the bidder has filed (or had filed against him/her/them) any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, whether voluntary or involuntary, or undergone the appointment of a receiver, trustee, or assignee for the benefit of creditors; and if so, an explanation providing relevant details.

Attachment 7 – Fee Proposal Form Form provided in this RFP. Provide a proposed fee per AU per month. All costs associated with the proposed performance of the desired outcomes and complying with the provisions of the Permit should be considered by the bidder when submitting this fee proposal.

Attachment 8 – Bidder References and Reference Letters Form provided in this RFP. Provide the applicable references and reference letters as detailed in the Minimum Qualifications section.

Attachment 9 – Site Inspection Certification Form provided in this RFP. This form must be signed by the bidder, or an authorized representative, and co-signed by the Site Manager on the day of the mandatory site inspection to certify attendance.

Attachment 10 – Proposal Certification Form Form provided in this RFP. (Instructions on page 2 of this form).

Attachment 11 – Authorization Document Attach the appropriate document to the provided check-form as described. See page 52 below.

5. Submission of Proposal

a. All proposals must be submitted under sealed cover and received by the CDFW at the location indicated below on or before the date and time identified above in Section F, Proposal Requirements and Information, Item

(1) Key Action Dates. The sealed cover must be plainly marked with the RFP number and title, must show the complete bidder name and address, and must be marked with "DO NOT OPEN," as shown in the following example:

Rancho Jamual Ecological Reserve & Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area Excess Vegetation Disposal Permit P2024501 California Department of Fish and Wildlife Bidder Name Bidder Address Bidder City, State Zip

DO NOT OPEN

Proposals not submitted under sealed cover will be rejected and returned unopened to the bidder.

Any proposal received at the above address after the proposal submission date and time specified in Section F-1 (Key Action Dates) will NOT be considered. It is the CDFW's policy to make every effort to ensure that all proposals have been received and properly time stamped; however, bidders are ultimately responsible for ensuring timely receipt of their proposal.

Bidders may verify receipt of their proposal by contacting the Administrative Contact identified in this RFP prior to the proposal evaluation and ranking.

A minimum of one original and three copies of the proposal must be submitted.

b. Bidders assume the risk of the method of dispatch chosen. The CDFW assumes no responsibility for delays caused by any delivery service.

Postmarking by the due date shall not substitute for actual proposal receipt by the CDFW. The time of delivery will be determined by the clock in the CDFW’s office. Late proposals will not be accepted, and no additional time will be granted to any bidder. Proposals may not be delivered orally, by facsimile transmission, or by other telecommunication, or electronic means.

c. All proposals shall include the documents identified in Section G-4, Required

Attachment Checklist (Attachment 1). Proposals not including the proper required attachments shall be deemed non-responsive. A non-responsive proposal is one that does not meet the basic proposal requirements.

d. All documents requiring a signature must bear an original signature of a person authorized to bind the bidder.

e. Mail or deliver proposals to the following address:

Andrew Gray P2024501 California Department of Fish and Wildlife Bidder Name 3883 Ruffin Road San Diego, CA 92123

DO NOT OPEN

f. A proposal may be rejected if it is conditional or incomplete, or if it contains any alterations of form or other irregularities of any kind. The CDFW may reject any or all proposals and may waive an immaterial deviation in a proposal. The CDFW's waiver of an immaterial deviation shall in no way modify this RFP or excuse the bidder from full compliance with all requirements, if awarded the Permit.

g. Costs incurred by the bidder for developing proposals, participation in mandatory site inspection and/or interviews, and any other costs incurred in connection with this RFP, and in anticipation of a Permit award, are entirely the responsibility of the bidder and shall not be charged to the STATE or the

CDFW.

h. An individual who is authorized to bind the bidder shall sign the Proposal

Certification Form. If the bidder is a corporation, partnership, or other legal entity, the signature should indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the entity. Any unsigned proposal will be rejected.

i. A bidder may modify a proposal after its submission only by withdrawing the original proposal and resubmitting a new proposal prior to the proposal submission deadline. Bidder modifications offered in any other manner, oral or written, will not be considered.

j. A bidder may withdraw a proposal by submitting a written withdrawal request to the CDFW, signed by the bidder or an authorized agent. A bidder may thereafter submit a new proposal prior to the proposal submission deadline.

Proposals may not be withdrawn without cause after the proposal submission deadline.

k. The CDFW may modify this RFP prior to the time fixed for submission of proposals by issuing an addendum to all parties who received a proposal package.

l. The CDFW reserves the right to reject all proposals. The CDFW is not required to award a Permit.

m. Before submitting a response to this solicitation, bidders should review the response, correct all errors, and confirm compliance with the RFP requirements.

n. The bidder is required only upon the date and time specified for the site inspection identified in this RFP to inspect the Premises and investigate the conditions, character, and quality of the site. The Premises will be made available in As-Is condition. The CDFW makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees, express or implied, regarding the Premises, including its fitness or suitability for bidders’ purposes; the condition or quality of soils; organic certification of any pasture or field; existence, adequacy, or condition of fencing; or availability of water or electric power, none of which are guaranteed. No changes to the fee amount will be made due to a lack of careful examination of the site.

o. Questions on this RFP must be presented in writing to the Administrative

Contact no later than seven business days before the proposal submission deadline.

p. The Permit will be an agreement between the CDFW and only one Permittee, which must be an individual or a legal entity, such as a corporation or partnership. Proposals submitted by any informal association of persons or entities will be rejected. If the bidder is a partnership (General Partnership or Limited Partnership), a copy of the partnership agreement must be provided.

The date of such an agreement must pre-date the proposal submission deadline date.

q. The provisions of the CDFW’s Permit are not negotiable.

r. No oral understanding or agreement shall be binding on either party.

s. By submitting a proposal, the bidder acknowledges that the bidder has read and understands this RFP and is in agreement to the provisions of the sample Permit included as part of this RFP package.

t. If any provision of this RFP is declared by a court to be illegal or in conflict with any law, the validity of the remaining terms and provisions shall not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the CDFW and the bidder shall be construed and enforced as if this RFP did not contain the particular provision held to be invalid.

6. Evaluation and Ranking

a. All proposals received by the submission deadline will be reviewed by the

CDFW to determine compliance with mandatory proposal requirements as specified in this RFP. If the CDFW determines that a proposal is not considered fully responsive and it is material to the RFP requirements, the proposal may be rejected.

b. Proposals accepted under the terms of this RFP will be evaluated and ranked by an evaluation team which may consist of a CDFW Lands Program Supervisor and at least two other appointed regional CDFW representatives.

Composition of the evaluation team is subject to change at the sole discretion of the CDFW.

c. At least two references are required. The CDFW will review each reference letter and attempt to contact each reference by phone. References will be asked to describe the prior vegetation disposal agreement transaction they had with the bidder, and to answer the following questions:

1. Did the firm/individual satisfactorily complete the obligations within the terms of the agreement? (Yes or No)

2. Did the firm/individual pay the fee(s) on time? (Yes or No)

3. Was the firm/individual knowledgeable in applied wildlife-friendly grazing practices to avoid negative impacts to the property? (Yes or No)

If any reference provided by the bidder answers “No” to any of the questions, the proposal will be disqualified on the grounds that the bidder did not meet the minimum qualifications, and the proposal is therefore non-responsive.

d. Proposals that contain false or misleading statements, or which provide references that do not support an attribute or condition claimed by the bidder, may be rejected.

e. The CDFW reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to request clarifications of proposals or to conduct discussions for the purpose of clarification with any or all bidders. The purpose of any such discussions shall be to ensure full understanding of the proposal. If clarifications are made as a result of such discussion, the bidder shall put such clarifications in writing. Bidders may not submit supplemental information without the approval of the CDFW.

f. The evaluation team may consider information that is pertinent to the bidders’ qualifications, regardless of whether such information is specifically requested or included in the criteria listed in this RFP.

g. Proposals will be ranked based on the criteria set forth below:

Rating/Scoring Criteria Points

• Qualifications (SOQ), References and Disclosure Pass/Fail

• Reference Check Pass/Fail

• Disclosure Statement Pass/Fail

• Experience, Organization Information 10 points

• Proposal for Goal 1 10 points

• Proposal for Goal 2 10 points

• Proposal for Goal 3 10 points

• Proposal for Goal 4 10 points

• Proposal for Goal 5 10 points

• Proposal for Goal 6 10 points

• Proposal for Goal 7 10 points

• Proposal for Goal 8 10 points

• Proposal for Goal 9 10 points

• Proposed Fee 10 points

Total Possible Points: 110 Points

The method of evaluation and scoring is as follows:

Statement of Qualifications

Pass Meets minimum qualifications.

Fail Did not provide a SOQ; or did not meet minimum qualifications.

Reference Check

Pass Reference provided a “Yes” response to each question.

Fail A “No” response to any question will be grounds to deem proposal non-responsive.

Disclosure Statement

Pass The bidder did not disclose any claims of legal actions within the last five years or bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings within the past ten years.

Fail The bidder did disclose claims of legal actions within the last five years or bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings within the past ten years.

Experience, Organization Information

Proposal package is incomplete, contains unverifiable or dubious references or qualifications, and/or package is disorganized such that essential information is difficult to locate.

1-3 Proposal contains all required elements, but one or more reference is unverifiable, or information is illegible and/or disorganized such that evaluation is difficult.

4-6 Proposal is complete, experience meets minimum qualifications, but there are some minor issues with organization, illegibility and/or verifiability.

7-10 Proposal is complete and organized, verifiable experience meets or exceeds minimum qualifications, and evaluation is facilitated.

Goal 1 Candidate possesses minimum livestock resources (160 AU) or has the ability to obtain minimum livestock resources by Permit commencement, or shortly thereafter.

Did not respond or proposal indicates likely lack of ability to acquire adequate livestock resources necessary to meet minimum grazing program objectives within the first 12 months following Permit Commencement.

1-3 Proposal indicates less than minimum AU immediately available upon Permit commencement date but lacks clarity regarding ability to obtain additional livestock resources to meet minimum objectives.

4-6 Proposal indicates likely ability to obtain adequate livestock resources efficiently to minimize lag time between application of grazing and Permit commencement.

7-10 Proposal indicates adequate livestock resources in possession to immediately apply grazing on or shortly following Permit commencement.

Goal 2 Candidate possesses the materials and resources necessary to immediately implement grazing, or the ability to obtain and install such that minimum objectives are met within the first 12 months following commencement of the Permit

0 Did not respond or proposal indicates likely lack of necessary resources available.

1-3 Proposal indicates some resources available, but not enough information provided to determine if objectives could be met.

4-6 Proposal demonstrated substantial resources available but lacks details on security or timely availability of resources.

7-10 Proposal would meet the goal with little or no lag time between Permit commencement and implementation of grazing.

Goal 3 Candidate has, or plans to develop the ability to implement forage use monitoring and report forage use results (RDM measurements and mapping) following the conclusion of the SANDAG UCB Project.

0 Did not respond or proposal indicates an apparent lack of desired skill set and knowledge.

1-3 Proposal indicates some knowledge, but not enough information provided to determine if goal could be met.

4-6 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts.

7-10 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts, was innovative in approach, and/or reflected well developed knowledge or skill set.

Goal 4 Minimum RDM within pastures RJER 1-13 and HCWA 1-3 can reasonably be expected to be retained.

0 Did not respond or proposal indicates an apparent lack of desired skill set and knowledge.

1-3 Proposal indicates some knowledge, but not enough information provided to determine if goal could be met.

4-6 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts.

7-10 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts, was innovative in approach, and/or showed best grazing practices.

Goal 5 Proposal indicates acceptable plan for grazing partially unfenced units using adequate materials to maintain livestock within the intended unit, but excluded from sensitive habitat areas.

0 Did not respond or proposal indicates an apparent lack of desired skill set and knowledge.

1-3 Proposal indicates some knowledge, but not enough information provided to determine if goal could be met.

4-6 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts.

7-10 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts, was innovative in approach, and/or showed best grazing practices.

Goal 6 Candidate has the skills and knowledge necessary to produce required pasture use records which include pasture identification, rotation dates, stocking rates and calculated values for AUM and AUM/acre (or preferably AUD and AUD/acre).

0 Did not respond or proposal indicates an apparent lack of desired skill set or knowledge.

1-3 Proposal indicates some knowledge, but does not include an adequate example of a pasture use report.

4-6 Proposal includes an adequate generic example of a pasture use report.

7-10 Proposal includes an example of a well-developed annual use report generated directly by the Candidate through previous grazing program management experience.

Goal 7 Proposal indicates appropriate level of willingness and ability to reduce livestock numbers such that forage use thresholds will not be exceeded in the event of drought or wildfire.

0 Did not respond or proposal indicates an apparent lack of desired skill set and knowledge.

1-3 Proposal indicates some knowledge, but not enough information provided to determine if goal could be met.

4-6 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts.

7-10 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts, was innovative in approach, and/or showed best grazing practices.

Goal 8

Proposal includes a clear and detailed plan for use/non-use of designated staging areas and livestock management facilities within or adjacent the RJER office complex, as depicted in Exhibit A.2 (Livestock Management Facilities).

0 Did not respond or proposal indicates an apparent lack of understanding or knowledge.

1-3 Proposal indicates some understanding, but does not include enough detail to finalize the Site Operations Plan, Exhibit B.

4-6 Proposal includes enough detail to finalize the Site Operations Plan, Exhibit B, with some significant adjustments.

7-10 Proposal includes enough detail to finalize the Site Operations Plan, Exhibit B, with no significant adjustments.

Goal 9 Candidate possesses adequate resources to enable rapid response to emergency situations, such as escaped livestock on public roadways or emergent wildfires which may pose a threat to livestock.

0 Did not answer; no plan.

1-3 Proposal described resources that are not adequate for prompt response;

or lacked sufficient detail to score.

4-6 Proposal described adequate resources but lacks clear detail to ensure response times are minimized.

7-10 Proposal described adequate resources and a detailed plan of action to respond.

Cost (10 points possible):

The highest price offered receives the maximum of 10 points. All other proposals will receive a score based on the following formula:

Cost proposal divided by the highest cost proposal x 10 points = Score

Example:

Highest bid is $35.00/AUM………………………………..….…………..….10 points Next highest bid is $32.50/AUM…($32.50 divided by $35.00) times 10 = 9.3 points Next bid is $25.00/AUM………….($25.00 divided by $35.00) times 10 = 7.1 points

= TOTAL POINTS SCORED TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE: 110

7. Interviews (If Needed)

At the CDFW’s discretion, interviews may be held with bidders that ranked closely in the evaluation scoring, if any clarifications in the proposals are needed or as the method to break a tie. The interviews will be conducted by the evaluation team.

8. Basis of Award

The Permit award, if made, will be to the responsive, responsible bidder with the highest ranking based upon the evaluation criteria (and any interview results).

The evaluation process is designed to award the Permit not necessarily to the bidder offering the highest fee, but rather to the bidder with the best combination of attributes based upon the evaluation criteria and that which presents the most advantageous proposal to the CDFW.

Proposal responses must comply with all RFP requirements. Failure to do so will disqualify the proposal. If it is determined not to be in the best interest of the STATE, the CDFW reserves the right to not award a Permit in response to this

RFP.

9. Disposition of Proposal

a. Upon proposal opening, all documents submitted in response to this RFP will become the property of the STATE. Selection or rejection of a proposal does not affect its ownership by the CDFW.

b. All proposal information, including detailed price and cost information, shall be held in confidence during the evaluation process. Upon the completion of the evaluation of proposal, indicated by a notice of intent to award the Permit, the proposals and associated materials shall be open for review by the public to the extent allowed by the California Public Records Act (Government Code sections 6250-6270 and 6275-6276.48). By submitting a proposal, the bidder acknowledges and accepts that the contents of the proposal and associated documents shall become open to public inspection. The guidelines for making CDFW-related Public Records Act requests are available on the CDFW/Fish and Game Commission Guidelines for Public Records Act Requests internet page, here:

https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/General-Counsel/Public-Records-Requests

10. Protest

a. In Accordance with Public Contract Code Section 10345, if any bidder, prior to the award of an agreement, files a written protest with the Department of General Services (DGS) – Office of Legal Services and CDFW on the grounds that the (protesting) bidder is the lowest responsive responsible bidder, the agreement will not be awarded until either the protest has been withdrawn or the DGS has decided the matter. The protest must be sent to:

Department of General Services Office of Legal Services

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Attn: Bid Protest Coordinator

Attn: State Owned Properties Management Unit

Address: 707 3rd Street, 7th Floor, Suite 7-330 West Sacramento, CA 95605

Address: P.O. Box 944209 Sacramento, CA 94244-2090

Email: OLSProtests@dgs.ca.

gov

Email: BMBstateownedpropert ies@wildlife.ca.gov

Within five days after filing the initial protest, the protesting bidder must file with the DGS and the CDFW a detailed written statement specifying the grounds for the protest. Protests may be submitted by regular mail, courier, or personal delivery.

11. Finalization of Site Operation Plan (Exhibit B)

The CDFW, in agreement with the awardee, may include the awardee’s proposals as addenda to the Site Operation Plan – Exhibit B. The CDFW reserves the option to strike-out or modify any portion of the winning proposal that conflicts with the Permit and/or Site Operations Plan. Revision to the standard language of the Permit is prohibited.

If the CDFW and the awardee initially selected by the CDFW are unable to agree on the provisions of the Site Operation Plan within a reasonable time, the Permit https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/General-Counsel/Public-Records-Requests mailto:OLSProtests@dgs.ca.gov mailto:OLSProtests@dgs.ca.gov mailto:BMBstateownedproperties@wildlife.ca.gov mailto:BMBstateownedproperties@wildlife.ca.gov will be offered to the bidder ranked second by the evaluation team. The negotiation process described in Sections F-6 through F-9 and F-11 will be repeated until an agreement is executed.

12. Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal Award

a. Following the award, the CDFW will request insurance documentation from the awardee that will comply with Section 21 of this Agreement. These documents must be provided on or before the requested date. STATE execution of the Permit is contingent upon the verification of the insurance by the DGS – Office of Risk and Insurance Management. (The awardee should provide the Sample Permit and the “Land Use Agreements: Guide to Insurance Documentation Requirements” to their insurance broker when requesting the coverage and required documents.)

b. The awardee will be required to provide a completed Payee Data Record form (STD. 204) with the documents described above.

c. The CDFW reserves the right to rescind the award if any requested documentation is not provided by the awardee on or before the requested due date. The awardee is solely responsible for ensuring timely responses by any individual or firm they choose to create and provide the requested documents.

d. The CDFW reserves the right to offer the award to the next responsive, highest scoring bidder, or to issue a new RFP if the award is rescinded.

e. Upon receipt, the awardee will sign the original copy of the Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal, provided by CDFW electronically within ten business days after receipt from the CDFW.

f. This RFP and the Permittee selection processes do not obligate the CDFW and do not create rights, interests, or claims of entitlement in the apparent best evaluated potential Permittee or any vendor.

13. Permit Execution and Performance

a. Activities (including any pre-season preparation work) shall start no sooner than the Commencement Date indicated upon the Permit or upon delivery of a fully signed and executed Permit to the Permittee and the CDFW receipt of the first Fee, whichever occurs later.

b. All activities and obligations under the Permit shall be completed on or before the termination date of the Permit.

14. Sample Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal

This RFP includes, as a separate document, a sample Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal (Sample DFW 587) for review. The sample DFW 587 contains language that the CDFW expects to utilize for this Permit. Following award of the Permit, the CDFW will prepare a Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal, including exhibits for execution. By submitting a proposal, the successful bidder acknowledges that they have read and understand the provisions of the Permit and agree to sign and return the DFW 587 within ten business days of receipt if awarded.

15. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Requirements The State of California seeks to realize the potential benefits of GenAI, through the development and deployment of GenAI tools, while balancing the risks of these new technologies.

Bidder/Offeror/Contractor must notify the State in writing if their solution or service includes, or makes available, any GenAI, including GenAI from third parties or subcontractors.

The State has developed a GenAI Reporting and Factsheet (STD 1000) to be completed by the Bidder/Offeror/Contractor.

Failure to submit the GenAI Reporting and Factsheet (STD 1000) will result in disqualification of the Bidder/Offeror/Contractor.

Failure to report GenAI to the State may void any resulting contract. The State reserves its right to seek any and all relief it may be entitled to as a result of such non-disclosure.

Upon receipt of a Bidder/Offeror/Contractor GenAI Reporting and Factsheet (STD 1000), the State reserves the right to incorporate GenAI Special Provisions into the final contract or reject bids/offers that present an unacceptable level of risk to the State.

15. Exhibit A: Map

16. Exhibit A-1: Legal Description of Site

17. Exhibit A-2: Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve; Available Facilities

18. Exhibit B: Site Operation Plan

Preamble:

The terms outlined in this Site Operations Plan (SOP) are based on the previous nine years of experience with the Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve (RJER) and Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area (HCWA) grazing program, the associated 2019 Resource Conservation District (RCD) Prescribed Grazing Plan, and significantly influenced via consultation with a group of qualified rangeland scientists. In 2020, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Area Manager and the Permittee jointly agreed to participate in a third-party research project focused on the development of a grazing monitoring plan. Funding for this project is being provided by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), with oversite provided by the San Diego Management and Monitoring Program (SDMMP). The contract team implementing the Project is made up of a distinguished group of rangeland scientists associated with University of California Berkeley (UCB), University of California Cooperative Extension, as well as private rangeland consulting services. The project, herein referred to as the SANDAG UCB Project (or Project), focuses on answering key questions regarding the use of targeted livestock grazing as a conserved lands habitat management tool in Southern California.

The Project efforts began in 2021 and remain ongoing. Thus far, all data and analysis have centered directly on the grazing operations at the Premises. As such, definitive answers to the key questions being asked are directly applicable to the management objectives that drive the application of livestock grazing at these two CDFW properties.

During the development of this SOP, a draft report containing the results of the first two years of study was submitted for review. Regardless of review status, information contained within the draft report was instrumental in the development of certain terms and language contained within this SOP.

As monitoring is the key to adaptive management, and additional information and analysis are expected as a result of ongoing research efforts, it should be understood that none of the terms contained herein are set in stone. Should new information become available that indicates habitat and/or species goals are not being met as intended, or unforeseen impacts to rare or sensitive species and/or habitats associated with grazing operations are identified, all terms described herein, including stocking rates, grazing periods, and management targets may be adjusted prior to the expiration of the permit term.